Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Record

Aristolochia bracteolata

Please read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses—it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: Plant containing aristolochic acids, recognized as nephrotoxic and carcinogenic: internal use is now strictly discouraged and the species is regulated or banned in several countries. Strictly contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to its traditional abortive use and toxicity. Never use in children or for self-medication; any use, even external, must be supervised by a knowledgeable healthcare professional. This record is presented for historical and documentary purposes only; it does not constitute a recommendation for current use.

Poultice — Leaves

Fresh leaf poultice

Fresh leaves were pounded then applied in a thin layer to the affected area, according to old practices. This external application remains, in ethnobotanical literature, the least risky route, but is now discouraged without specialized advice. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Decoction — Root

Root decoction (historical use)

The dried root was traditionally boiled briefly in water to obtain a bitter decoction, used in very small quantities. This preparation should no longer be made without strict medical supervision given the known renal risks. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Obtaining the plant

This birthwort grows spontaneously in dry and scrubby areas of Africa and South Asia; it is not cultivated in Europe and its sale there is very restricted due to its recognized toxicity.

Harvest season

When to harvest it

Traditionally, leaves were gathered in the dry season and roots dug up at the end of flowering, according to reported local uses.

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